Food trucks dot the streets of Austin, Texas, but a growing number of thieves have taken advantage of these mobile businesses throughout the state capital and surrounding areas.
Justin Williams, 43, was arrested Dec. 23 and charged with robbing the Saigon le Vendeur food truck from a parking lot in North Austin. The truck, which serves banh mi and other Vietnamese food, was later located by police after Williams allegedly spray-painted half of it black to try to alter the appearance of it.
A Travis County sheriff’s deputy recognized Williams in jail after police released surveillance footage of him allegedly shoplifting from a convenience store shortly after stealing the truck. He now faces charges for theft of property and criminal mischief.
The Saigon le Vendeur food truck was stolen from a parking lot in North Austin last month.
(Austin Police Department)
Justin Williams, 43, was charged with theft of property and criminal mischief for allegedly robbing the Saigon le Vendeur food truck.
(Austin Police Department)
About 20 miles southeast of downtown Austin, someone stole an Airstream trailer belonging to Gourdough’s Donuts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
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“I think they picked the right time to do it,” Ryan Palmer, co-owner of Gourdough’s Donuts, told Fox 7 Austin. “I’m surprised because it’s on a very busy road. It was visible from the road.”
A food truck belonging to Gordough’s Donuts was stolen on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
(Fox 7 Austin)
Two suspects used a Dodge Dakota extended cab to rob a food truck in South Austin on November 3.
(Austin Police Department)
In another robbery in South Austin, someone stole a food truck trailer using a Dodge Dakota extended cab on November 3.
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The Austin Police Department has struggled to respond to some calls in recent years, with 257 sworn officer openings and 127 civilian openings last fall.
The Austin City Council cut the police department’s budget by about a third in August 2020 and canceled cadet classes, prompting an exodus of sworn officers. Funding has since been restored to comply with state law, but some officers have blamed the defunding for vacancies and demoralization within the department.
Fox News’ Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
